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Recall -- State Press Release

Golden Glen Creamery Issues Voluntary Recall on Eggnog

Contact:Jason Kelly(360) 902-1815

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Olympia, WA -- November 20, 2006 -- The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is working with Golden Glen Creamery of Bow, WA, in Skagit County, on a voluntary recall of their eggnog milk product that may contain illness-causing pathogens due to improper pasteurization. Although no illnesses have been reported, Golden Glen Creamery is voluntarily recalling 160 glass quart bottles of its eggnog product.

The eggnog was bottled in quart-glass containers labeled Golden Glen Creamery with a pull date of "Nov. 28" on the cap. The product was distributed to the following locations:

Consumers who have purchased the eggnog product with a pull date of "Nov 28" are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement with new product. No other Golden Glen Creamery products are involved in this recall.

The creamery's owner is working with WSDA's Food Safety program to notify consumers and has voluntarily removed all remaining eggnog from retail outlets. The owner is also cooperating with WSDA's investigation to determine the cause of the under-pasteurized milk products.

WSDA conducted routine sampling of the packaged eggnog product on Nov. 14. Analysis found the sample with high levels of phosphatase, which indicates the eggnog was under-pasteurized. Adequate pasteurization requires eggnog milk products to be heated to 155 degrees F. for a continuous 30 minutes in approved pasteurization equipment that is properly operated to assure that every particle of milk is pasteurized.

According to Golden Glen, the affected eggnog product had been heated to a temperature of about 149 degrees F. for 34 minutes. Because the eggnog product was under-pasteurized, it could carry illness-causing pathogens.

Persons with concerns may contact the toll-free WSDA food safety complaint line at 1 (800) 843-7890.